Action Plan

To achieve our vision for disability access and inclusion, and give effect to the objects and principles of the Disability Inclusion Act 2018, and the first State Disability Inclusion Plan 2019-2023 (State Plan), the Department presents our Action Plan for the period 2020-2024.

In accordance with the recommendations of the State Plan and Guidelines for State authorities, the Department’s DAIP Action Plan is aligned to the Themes and Priority Areas in the State Plan:

Inclusive communities for all.
Leadership and collaboration.
Accessible communities.
Learning and employment.

The Department has reviewed the Priority Areas and Actions in the State Plan and focussed on priorities that align with our core business and greatest potential for community impact.

The following sections outline the Department’s goals in relation to the above listed Themes. This is intended to provide clarity and context to the following Action Plan, which includes specific responsibilities and measurable targets for accountability and reporting.

Glossary of acronyms

The following acronyms appear in the Action Plan:

CCM - Commercial and Contracts Management

AMPRN - Adelaide Metropolitan Passenger Rail Network

DAIC - Disability Access and Inclusion Committee

DAIT - Disability Access and Inclusion Team

DIT - Department for Infrastructure and Transport

PACS - People and Corporate Services Division

RM – Road and Marine

TPR - Transport Policy and Regulation

SAPTA - South Australian Public Transport Authority

ID - Infrastructure Delivery

TSP - Transport Strategy and Planning

Inclusive communities for all

Social inclusion is a priority for people living with disability as it affects all aspects of their lives. Everyone has a responsibility to make our community inclusive.

The capacity of people with disability to be involved in the community can be significantly affected by the accessibility of the built environment and the public transport system, and the understanding and awareness of the rights and needs of people with disability in the community and service provision.

Goals:

An informed community on the accessibility of public transport services, and the rights of people with disability on public transport.
Departmental involvement in public events is accessible and inclusive.
Departmental staff have strong understanding and awareness of disability access and inclusion in service provision and the workplace.

Priority 1 - Involvement in the Community

Action 1.1

Develop a resource guide relating to public transport user accessibility of services and premises.

Measurable Target

Develop access guide

Responsibility

SAPTA & DAIT

Timeframe

2024

Measurable Target

Continue to provide information on accessibility of services and premises through smart stops, the Adelaide Metro website, and to App developers.

Responsibility

SAPTA

Timeframe

Ongoing

Action 1.2

Improve accessibility of our public events and participation in events.

Measurable Target

Review Inclusive SA event toolkit when available, and align Departmental processes as required.

Responsibility

Public Affairs

Timeframe

2024 (pending availability of Inclusive SA event toolkit)

Measurable Target

Review internal guidance for ensuring public event locations and communications are accessible

Responsibility

Public Affairs

DAIT

Timeframe

2024

Priority 2 - Improving community understanding and awareness

Action 2.1

Improve community understanding and awareness about the rights and needs of people living with disability on public transport.

Measurable Target

Allocated space and priority seating identification and signage to be progressively standardised across all public transport modes.

Responsibility

SAPTA

Timeframe

Ongoing

Measurable Target

Investigate feasibility of internal side exit announcements on train services

Responsibility

SAPTA

DAIT

Timeframe

2022

Measurable Target

Improve community understanding of the public transport system through the delivery of information sessions to disability service providers.

Responsibility

SAPTA

Timeframe

2024

Priority 3 – Promoting the rights of people with disability

Action 3.1

Review Departmental disability awareness training, with consideration of any outcomes arising from Action 8 in the State Plan.

Measurable Target

Review and update general mandatory disability awareness training for all staff.

Responsibility

DAIT

PACS

Timeframe

2024 (pending delivery of State Plan Action 8)

Measurable Target

Research potential expansions for departmental disability training packages, including: customer service; accessible design; and communications.

Responsibility

DAIT

PACS

Timeframe

2024 (pending delivery of State Plan Action 8)

Action 3.2

Deliver disability awareness training to all staff, with consideration of Action 3.1

Measurable Target

Include disability awareness training module in general staff induction, to be completed by all new employees and relevant contractors within 3 months of commencement.

Responsibility

PACS

Timeframe

2024

Measurable Target

All existing staff to complete disability awareness training within 12 months of implementation

Responsibility

PACS

Timeframe

2024

Leadership and collaboration

Inclusive SA public consultation identified that people living with disability want to have a greater role in leading and contributing to government and community decision-making.

Good community engagement establishes relationships of trust and actively involves the community in decisions and activities that affect them. This leads to well informed decisions that are more likely to meet competing needs and expectations and ultimately achieve more successful outcomes. These processes must be inclusive and accessible for all to facilitate contribution from the whole community including people living with disability.

Collaboration also means listening to feedback and acting on feasible innovative ideas and reforms put forward by interested stakeholders. Community feedback, comments and complaints are an important and valuable source of information to inform relevant Departmental decision-making.

Goals:

People with lived experience of disability are contributing to strategic decision-making through government boards and committees.
Employees with lived experience with disability are informing and contributing to workplace diversity and inclusion initiatives and priorities.
Perspectives of people with disability are actively sought and considered in Departmental policy, programs and projects.
Community engagement processes are accessible and ensure the Department’s activities are genuinely informed by community needs and priorities, including regional communities.
Complaints and feedback systems are accessible and responsive, and community complaints related to disability access and inclusion inform priority improvements and reforms.

Priority 4 – Participation in decision making

Action 4.1

Continue to facilitate Disability Community of Practice within Diversity and Inclusion Program.

Measurable Target

Disability Community of Practice is engaged on relevant workplace Diversity and Inclusion initiatives.

Responsibility

PACS

Timeframe

Ongoing

Measurable Target

Employees who have lived experience with disability are involved in informing the priorities of the Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee and Action Plan.

Responsibility

PACS

Timeframe

Annual

Priority 5 – Leadership and raising profile

Action 5.1

Encourage employees with disability to express interest in participation on South Australian Government boards and committees.

Measurable Target

Promote BoardingCall to employees in line with Inclusive SA communications strategy.

Responsibility

PACS

Timeframe

2024

Action 5.2

Support Departmental committees to improve membership diversity, including people who have lived experience with disability.

Measurable Target

Updated Terms of Reference for Departmental committees inclusive of commitment to diversity.

Responsibility

PACS

Timeframe

2024

Measurable Target

Available resources to support departmental committees to better understand and improve diversity outcomes.

Responsibility

PACS

Timeframe

2024

Priority 6 – Engagement and consultation

Action 6.1

Continue to facilitate Disability Access and Inclusion Committee (DAIC)

Measurable Target

Review DAIC Terms of Reference and update as required

Responsibility

DAIT

Timeframe

2022

Measurable Target

Review DAIC membership and explore opportunities for encouraging representation of priority groups including young people living with disability

Responsibility

DAIT

Timeframe

Annual

Action 6.2

Consult with the Disability Access and Inclusion Committee (DAIC) on Departmental projects and reforms where appropriate

Measurable Target

DAIC continues to be consulted and provide advice and recommendations to the Department on a range of access and inclusion matters

Responsibility

DAIT

Timeframe

Ongoing

Measurable Target

The Department will facilitate and encourage Committee members to trial and review departmental services and report on accessibility matters or concerns

Responsibility

DAIT

Timeframe

Annual

Action 6.3

Review DIT Community Engagement Toolkit with reference to Inclusive SA toolkit, when available

Measurable Target

Ensure community engagement guidelines incorporate principles of co-design

Responsibility

Public Affairs

Timeframe

2024 (pending release of Inclusive SA toolkit)

Measurable Target

Ensure community engagement guidelines give specific consideration to regional communities

Responsibility

Public Affairs

Timeframe

2024 (pending release of Inclusive SA toolkit)

Measurable Target

Develop stakeholder engagement lists targeting disability community services sector and people living with disability

Responsibility

Public Affairs

DAIT

Timeframe

2024

Action 6.4

Review customer enquiry, complaints and feedback systems to ensure an effective and consistent response to access and inclusion related matters

Measurable Target

Develop staff guidelines and/or training and other resources for processing, actioning and responding to accessibility related complaints and feedback

Responsibility

Public Affairs

DAIT

Timeframe

2024

Measurable Target

Ensure recurrence and trends of reported accessibility issues are captured and inform program and process change

Responsibility

Public Affairs

DAIT

Timeframe

Ongoing

Accessible Communities

Accessibility of the built environment, quality services and information are key to ensuring people living with disability are included and have the opportunity to equally participate in all aspects of community life.

Our aim is to increase the accessibility of our public transport and other infrastructure, our community service centres, and Departmental communications and information.

Goals:

Principles of Universal Design are considered in Property Asset Management.
Departmental websites are accessible in line with the State Government’s Online Accessibility Policy.
New and significantly upgraded buildings and premises meet or exceed Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards, including provision of accessible parking.
Departmental communications are accessible and reaching vulnerable communities to the best of our ability and in collaboration with community service providers.
Community services information is available in a range of accessible formats.
Accessibility of public transport system is progressively improved based on strategic prioritisation, informed by community need.
Departmental road network maintenance and improvement works create accessible outcomes for pedestrians.
Significant pedestrian accessibility concerns across our road network are given due consideration in the prioritisation of maintenance and improvement works.

Priority 7 – Universal Design across South Australia

Action 7.1

Ensure accessibility and Universal Design are considered in the ongoing renewal of the Property Directorate’s asset portfolio

Measurable Target

Review the Strategic Asset Management Framework for the Property Directorate

Responsibility

CCM

Timeframe

2024

Priority 8 – Accessible and available information

Action 8.1

Continue to review and update Departmental websites as required to achieve compliance with the Online Accessibility Policy

Measurable Target

New and significantly upgraded websites comply with the Online Accessibility Policy including Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0

Responsibility

PACS

Public Affairs

SAPTA

RM/TPR

Timeframe

Ongoing

Action 8.2

Review public information and resources for key customer services to provide information for people of various abilities

Measurable Target

Service SA forms, information sheets, pamphlets and other customer information can be provided in a range of accessible formats

Responsibility

RM/TPR

Timeframe

Ongoing

Measurable Target

Public transport customer information can be provided in a range of formats and channels

Responsibility

SAPTA

Timeframe

Ongoing

Action 8.3

Review communications strategies, ensuring accessibility and reach to vulnerable communities

Measurable Target

Develop a Communications Toolkit with reference to the Inclusive SA accessible communications toolkit and in collaboration with the Disability Access and Inclusion Team

Responsibility

Public Affairs

DAIT

Timeframe

2024 (pending availability of Inclusive SA toolkit)

Measurable Target

Review Communications Plans and Creative Briefs with reference to updated DIT Communications Toolkit, as required to ensure accessibility and social inclusion

Responsibility

Public Affairs

Timeframe

Ongoing

Priority 9 – Access to services

Action 9.1

Continue to work with the Commonwealth Government to reform and modernise the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002.

Measurable Target

Contribute to the National Accessible Transport Taskforce and Steering Committee

Responsibility

TSP

Timeframe

Ongoing

Action 9.2

Continue to progressively improve the accessibility of public transport services and infrastructure

Measurable Target

All new buses, and new and refurbished train and tram rollingstock, will be accessible

Responsibility

SAPTA

Timeframe

Ongoing

Measurable Target

In prioritising Public Transport infrastructure works, and allocation of budget submissions, access for people with disability is considered

Responsibility

SAPTA

DAIT

Timeframe

Annual

Measurable Target

Improved passenger next stop information systems for bus services developed and trialled

Responsibility

SAPTA

Timeframe

2024

Measurable Target

Develop a program of works to improve accessibility across the AMPRN, to be implemented subject to available resources

Responsibility

DAIT

SAPTA

TSP

Timeframe

2024

Measurable Target

Public transport operators are required to provide disability awareness training for frontline staff

Responsibility

SAPTA

Timeframe

Ongoing

Action 9.3

Improve the provision of accessible parking spaces at public transport nodes

Measurable Target

All new and significantly upgraded public transport premises meet or exceed accessible car parking requirements under the Premises Standards on occupation.

Responsibility

TSP

Timeframe

Ongoing

Action 9.4

Ensure access and inclusion issues are addressed appropriately on transport projects, and where issues arise the Disability Access and Inclusion Team is consulted

Measurable Target

Contract specifications and technical requirements identify that transport infrastructure will meet all relevant access and inclusion Standards

Responsibility

TSP

Timeframe

Ongoing

Measurable Target

Develop internal guidance on advisory function of Disability Access and Inclusion Team for project teams

Responsibility

DAIT

Timeframe

2024

Action 9.5

Monitor accessibility issues across the road network arising from maintenance and improvement works and incoming correspondence

Measurable Target

Give consideration to complaints, feedback and ministerials as appropriate in the prioritisation of program of works

Responsibility

RMS

DAIT

Timeframe

Ongoing

Action 9.6

Improve accessibility of our buildings and tenancies for customers, visitors and staff

Measurable Target

Review processes for determining business requirements related to accessibility in fitouts and accommodation of Departmental premises as well as leased office accommodation and new fit outs managed by the Department Across Government Services.

Responsibility

CCM

DAIT

Timeframe

2024

Measurable Target

Reasonable workplace modifications are available where required

Responsibility

CCM

Timeframe

Ongoing

Measurable Target

Review of SA Government Office Accommodation Guidelines to include consideration of access and inclusion

Responsibility

CCM

DAIT

Timeframe

2024

Measurable Target

Review service accessibility and assistive technology needs across customer service centres

Responsibility

RM/TPR

DAIT

Timeframe

2024

Learning and Employment

Workforce participation is fundamental to social inclusion. It provides economic independence and choice, social connections and friendships, value, identity and belonging.

It is our aim that people living with disability have access to accessible and inclusive workplaces, access to meaningful and inclusive employment and volunteering opportunities, and career development pathways.

Goals:

Recruitment processes are accessible and inclusive and reach potential applicants living with disability including through Disability Employment Services.
Volunteering opportunities are accessible and inclusive for people with disability.
All managers understand the Department’s responsibilities and processes for making reasonable adjustments in the workplace for people with disability, and reasonable adjustments are actioned in a timely manner.
The Department implements new across-government data measures to track the employment and retention of people living with disability as developed through Inclusive SA.

Priority 10 – Better supports within educational and training settings

Action 10.1

Initiate career development strategy for employees with disability

Measurable Target

New Diversity and Inclusion Plan Actions, informed by Disability Community of Practice and Public Sector Disability Employment Plan

Responsibility

PACS

Timeframe

2024

Action 10.2

Ensure workplace training is available in accessible formats on request, and employees are made aware they can request reasonable adjustments.

Measurable Target

Develop Learning and Development guideline and process for producing training materials in a range of accessible formats.

Responsibility

PACS

Timeframe

2024

Measurable Target

All reasonable adjustments requested in training settings are provided

Responsibility

PACS

Timeframe

Ongoing

Priority 11 – Skill development through volunteering

Action 11.1

Continue to coordinate volunteering opportunities through the Rail Care program

Measurable Target

Ensure that Rail Care program processes remains accessible and inclusive for people with disability

Responsibility

SAPTA

DAIT

Timeframe

2024

Priority 12 – Improved access to employment opportunities and better support within workplaces

Action 12.1

Develop a renewed disability employment strategy aligned to the OCPSE Disability Employment Strategy addressing policies and guidelines; recruitment; workplace flexibility and reasonable adjustments.

Measurable Target

Contribute to Public Sector Disability Employment Plan across government implementation, with reference to guidance in the OCPSE Disability Employment Toolkit.